HELB Issues 21-Day Notice to Students Regarding the New Funding Model

HELB Issues 21-Day Notice to Students Regarding the New Funding Model

HELB, the Higher Education Loans Board, has declared a 21-day timeframe for university students to contest the newly introduced funding model that has generated discontent among numerous students.

The appeal period commenced on April 1, 2025, and will persist for three weeks, providing students the opportunity to articulate their concerns and feedback regarding the model.

This newly established funding model, termed the Variable Scholarship Loan Funding Model, categorizes students into five financial bands determined by their financial need.

The initial band, Band 1, caters to the students with the greatest financial need, whereas Band 5 is designated for those with the least financial requirements.

The government implemented this model with the intention of ensuring that financial assistance is allocated to students in the most need. Nonetheless, many students have contended that the system is inequitable.

They assert that it fails to account for all dimensions of their financial circumstances, consequently leading to protests and widespread discontent.

To respond to these issues, HELB and the Universities Fund (UF) conducted a public consultation process from April 1 to April 4, 2025.

During this timeframe, students and other stakeholders were invited to express their viewpoints regarding the funding system.

The consultation enabled students to present comments, suggestions, and grievances both online and at various venues, including public universities nationwide.

This public participation initiative aimed to collect feedback from as many individuals as possible to enhance the funding model and the scholarship and loan appeals process.

HELB has indicated that the input derived from the public consultation has resulted in enhancements to the appeals system. This encompasses modifications aimed at rendering the process fairer and more effective for students.

Through this 21-day appeal period, students who believe their concerns were inadequately addressed during the consultation are now able to formally submit their complaints or recommendations to HELB.

The expectation is that by granting students the opportunity to voice their opinions, the funding system can be modified to better fulfill the needs of all students.

This public consultation and the appeal period were initiated following a court order. The Court of Appeal had previously suspended a ruling from the High Court that deemed the funding model unconstitutional.

The court permitted the government to maintain the utilization of the funding system while legal challenges are still being resolved. Consequently, the current funding model remains effective, although it may be subject to change based on the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings.

At this moment, HELB has affirmed that the 21-day appeal period will be upheld and that students should capitalize on this opportunity to express their concerns.

Depending on the progression of the court case, there may be additional alterations to the funding model in the future.

The government has expressed its willingness to consider adjustments; however, such changes will be contingent upon the feedback received and the determinations made by the court.
In the interim, students persist in expressing their grievances regarding the funding system, with numerous individuals considering the classification into financial bands to be unjust and not truly representative of their genuine requirement for financial assistance.

With the appeal process currently available, students are urged to submit their feedback with the expectation of witnessing a more equitable and inclusive funding model that more effectively supports all students in need.